Stream Team Fest
Thank you for joining us!
Join Texas Stream Team citizen scientists, state and local environmental organizations, and the public virtually on October 12-14, 2021 for the 2021 Stream Team Fest to celebrate our program’s 30th anniversary!
Attendees will have the chance to connect with Texas Stream Team’s network of citizen scientists and partners, hear what we’ve been up to over the past year, and learn what’s in store for 2021 and beyond.
While we will miss seeing everyone in person, we’ve got a great line-up planned for you to enjoy Stream Team Fest from the comforts of your computer. Highlights include:
- A panel featuring past and present Texas Stream Team leaders looking back on the program’s 30-year history
- Tricks of the Trade panel featuring non-profit, local government, and academic experts who are running some of our most successful groups all over the state
- Virtual goodie bags (limited supply)
The event is free and open to all, but registration is required. We will be using the virtual event platform, Zoom, where you will be able to view sessions, participate in Q&A, and connect with other guests. After you register, you will receive a link and instructions to join the event.
Recordings
Missed the event? No problem! Watch recordings of the presentations below.
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Agenda
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Tuesday, October 12 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:10 p.m.
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Conference Kick-Off
Time & Format: 11:00 – 11:20 a.m. (Virtual)
Description: Join us as we kick-off Stream Team Fest 2021. We will hear from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and US Environmental Protection Agency representatives who help oversee Texas Stream Team.
Special Guests:
- Kerry Niemann, Planning and Implementation Section Manager, Water Quality Planning Division – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Jim Drake, Life Scientist & Texas Nonpoint Source Program Manager – US Environmental Protection Agency
- Brian Fontenot, Region 6 Nonpoint Source Coordinator – US Environmental Protection Agency
- Rachel Renz, Life Scientist & Region 6 Citizen Science Coordinator – US Environmental Protection Agency
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All About Texas Stream Team: Overview & Operations
Time & Format: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Description: Not familiar with Texas Stream Team? Want to know all the program offers and how things operate? Then this is a perfect session for you!
Presenters:
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Aspen Navarro, Watershed Services Program Coordinator – The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University
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Award Ceremony
Time & Format: 12:10 – 1:10 p.m. (Virtual)
Description: Join us virtually as we celebrate the past 30 years of Texas Stream Team together and honor some of our partners, citizen scientists, and trainers.
Special Guests:
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Dr. Robert E. Mace, Executive Director – The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University
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Mike Bira, Retired Environmental Scientist – US Environmental Protection Agency Region 6
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Wednesday, October 13 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Day 2 Kick-Off
Time & Format: 11:00 – 11:05 a.m. (Virtual)
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Starting a Texas Stream Team Group Workshop
Time & Format: 11:05 – 11:35 a.m. (Virtual)
Description: Whether you are new to Texas Stream Team, or you are ready to take the next step. From helping others get involved locally, expanding monitoring efforts, and bringing like-minded individuals together, Texas Stream Team groups represent all things Texas Stream Team within a local region. This workshop will take you through the various group types (schools groups, institution groups, etc.), the best way to set up your group for success, and more. Be sure to bring questions!
Presenters:
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Aspen Navarro, Watershed Services Program Coordinator – The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University
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Mitchel Sabourin, Educational Outreach Intern – Texas State University Office of Sustainability & Bobcat Stream Team President
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Texas Stream Team's Quality Assurance Program
Time & Format: 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (Virtual)
Description: A Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) outlines the procedures a monitoring project uses to ensure that all samples and data are of high enough quality to meet program standards. By adhering to these procedures, Texas Stream Team program personnel and citizen scientists ensure QAPP-approved data can be used for functions including educational purposes, research, best management practice (BMP) effectiveness, and any other uses deemed appropriate by resource managers and TCEQ. This session will discuss our quality assurance and quality control protocols in place, updates, and more!
Presenter:
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Sandra Arismendez, Watershed Services Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator – The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University
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Texas Stream Team Through the Years: A Walk Down Memory Lane Panel
Time & Format: 12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Description: Hear about the inception of Texas Stream Team and its growth over the years from a panel featuring Texas Stream Team founders, supporters, and long-time partners.
Panelists:
- Dave Buzan (Original Texas Watch Leader), Aquatic Ecologist – Atkins
- Jason Pinchback, Coastal Resources Manager – General Land Office
- Mike Bira, Retired Environmental Scientist – US Environmental Protection Agency Region 6
- Travis Tidwell, Aquatic Biologist – Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Kills and Spills Region I
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Thursday, October 14 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Day 3 Kick-Off
Time & Format: 11:00 – 11:05 a.m. (Virtual)
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Tricks of the Trade Panel
Time & Format: 11:05 – 11:45 a.m. (Virtual)
Description: This panel will feature some of Texas Stream Teams most active and successful group leaders to share tips and insight into starting a Texas Stream Team group, keeping monitoring activities afloat, and more!
Presenters:
- Rachel Sanborn, Director of Operation – San Marcos River Foundation
- Christopher Morris, Environmental Coordinator II – City of Dallas
- Desiree Jackson, Vice President – Bobcat Stream Team
- Todd Running, Manager, Community & Environmental Planning – Houston-Galveston Area Council
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Texas Stream Team Datamap and Dataviewer Workshop: Entering, Accessing, and Sharing Data
Time & Format: 11:55 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. (Virtual)
Description: Join this workshop to learn all about how Texas Stream Team data! From how the data is entered, where is goes, how to access, generating reports, and more. This workshop session will take you through each step of the data process and will be interactive to answer any questions.
Presenter:
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Laura Parchman, GIS & Data Management Associate – The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University
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How Citizen Scientists are Changing the Who, When, Where, What and Why of Water
Time & Format:
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Description:
Thirty years of operation means an abundance of data within the Texas Stream Team program. This session led by Dr. Kelly Albus discusses her published research on how Texas Stream Team data compares to state professional water quality monitoring data. Dr. Albus will also provide insight on a unique way citizen scientists will soon be able to detect nonpoint source pollution in our waterways.
Presenter:
- Kelly Albus, Extension Program Specialist III – Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension
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